The International Road Transport Union urged Brussels to adopt a uniform delay from the 1 September launch of Ics2, which now applies to goods entering the Union by road. The request stems from the risk of disruption at external borders, with potential queues and slowdowns caused by the fragmented rollout among member states. Since the beginning of September, operators have been required to submit entry summary declarations through Ics2 release 3. However, the European Commission has allowed member states to decide on whether to delay implementation, creating a multi-speed scenario: some countries are ready, others have postponed. As a result, companies must check not only the rules in their home country but also those of the state through which their goods enter the EU.
According to the Commission, if entry takes place in a country already applying Ics2, the declaration must be filed in the new system even if the company is based in a state that has deferred its application. For the Iru, this mechanism risks creating legal uncertainty and administrative burdens for hauliers, who may be forced to reorganise logistics flows to avoid penalties.
Raluca Marian, Iru’s EU advocacy director, warned that the absence of a uniform transition period exposes operators to fines and forces difficult decisions on routing. Customs authorities could also face incomplete or missing declarations, leading to congestion at borders. The Iru acknowledges the importance of the new system, designed to strengthen customs controls and import security, but insists that only a uniform six-month postponement can ensure an orderly launch. The proposal extends beyond road haulage to include combined and intermodal transport involving a road component.
